In the Isshinryu system there are 2 or 3 sai kata.We have Chantan Yara, Kusanku sai and Bo/Sai Kumite.The first is perhaps the only true kata.The second was probably made just to show you could adapt most if not all hand katas to weapons.I believe the 3rd was invented, along with Bo/Bo Kumite, by Master Shimabuku's American students as a demonstration.

In Isshinryu history, Shimabuku Tatsuo originally taught a short sai kata, Kyan no Sai, later apparently discontinued and part of it forming the 'additional ending' on Kusanku kata. There is a movie of Shimabuku Sensei performing it in 1958 and the late Sherman Harrill (among others) used to do it too.

Kusanku Sai is interesting. Taira Shinken (Shimabuku's Kobudo instructor in the late 50's) often used to suggest to instructors that they adopt various kata to weapons, to suggest they focus on the weapon, and not the embusen of a kata.

Chantan Yara no Sai, is a version of the one taught by Tara. Tara is known to have changed his kata at different times, so whether he or Isshinryu's founder made the changes are a question.

Many consider Kusanku Sai a more advanced kata than Chantan Yara No Sai. Myself I go back and forth between the two as to which is more advanced.

Quote:In the Isshinryu system there are 2 or 3 sai kata.We have Chantan Yara, Kusanku sai and Bo/Sai Kumite.The first is perhaps the only true kata.The second was probably made just to show you could adapt most if not all hand katas to weapons.I believe the 3rd was invented, along with Bo/Bo Kumite, by Master Shimabuku's American students as a demonstration.

kumi means to struggle te means hand

kumite therefore means to struggle with hands kumibo or kumisai would be the term you need here

Quote:In the Isshinryu system there are 2 or 3 sai kata.We have Chantan Yara, Kusanku sai and Bo/Sai Kumite.The first is perhaps the only true kata.The second was probably made just to show you could adapt most if not all hand katas to weapons.I believe the 3rd was invented, along with Bo/Bo Kumite, by Master Shimabuku's American students as a demonstration.

kumi means to struggle te means hand

kumite therefore means to struggle with hands kumibo or kumisai would be the term you need here

Sure, do NOT drop the things... they hur your feet! Sorry I couldn't resist....

Kusanku SaiChatanyara No Sai

Sai are a part of the curricilium but have not been reexamined in a long time. I like them but I would not pretend to have any bone fide expertise with them. Put them in your hands, a lot... flip them, twirl them, flip them....in time attempt to hit things with them, as you do with all basic empty handed techniques.

Once achieved play with other practitioners, the exploration will be enjoyable. In time increase the quality of the folks you work with...